New research by the Equality and Human Rights Commission reveals that businesses are losing nearly £280 million each year as a result of women being forced out of their jobs by pregnancy and maternity discrimination. The losses to business were largely due to recruitment and training costs, and lost productivity and could be even higher when reputational risks, loss of valuable staff, employment tribunals and longer-term productivity impacts are also included. The research also showed the cost to British women could be as much as £113 million a year due to loss of earnings when they’re forced to leave their job because of poor treatment, dismissal and compulsory redundancy. Women who keep their jobs also report a financial loss due to pregnancy discrimination of up to £34 million in total over the following year due to failing to gain a promotion, having their salary reduced, being demoted and receiving a lower pay rise/bonus than they would otherwise have secured.

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